Otamere Gladness 
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has disbursed ₦2.31 billion to federal universities to clear outstanding arrears owed to academic and non-academic staff, as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s higher education sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, confirmed the release in a statement issued on Thursday by the Personal Assistant on Special Duties to the President, Kamorudeen Yusuf.
He said the funds were processed through the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, with universities expected to begin receiving payments without delay.
“This administration remains committed to transparent, long-term solutions that ensure predictable and fair compensation structures for university staff,” he said.
He disclosed that the government is finalising the release of third-party deductions and pension remittances to Nigerian University Pension Management systems. Additionally, Earned Academic Allowances (EAA) will be fully integrated into university payrolls by 2026 to ensure timely payments.
Alausa noted that engagements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions are ongoing, emphasising that agreements will remain within realistic budget limits to protect financial stability.
The development follows ASUU’s suspension of its two-week warning strike after renewed dialogue with government officials.
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Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Koko Maxwella 
Oluwatobi Adu